$75,000 OTF Grant to NORCAT enables Career Awareness and Youth Engagement in the Mining Sector

Sudbury, Ontario – On Tuesday, August 22nd The Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) welcomed members of the public, and local dignitaries, to a recognition and appreciation ceremony at its Maley Drive location.

Local MPP Glenn Thibeault and OTF Grant Review Team member, Tina Montgomery, were on hand at NORCAT to congratulate the Centre’s members, and hear more about how online “apps” can increase youth awareness of – and accessibility to – career knowledge and specific training paths in the mining sector.

“Innovations like the ‘Safety Wallet’ show that NORCAT is working hard to lead this important industry. New and progressive technology is at the heart of the mining industry and this app shows that the spirit of innovation is alive and well in Sudbury, said Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury. “This project will draw young people to the mining industry and allow them to realize their potential in this exciting and growing industry.”

The $75,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, speaks to a recognition of how youth today access content specific to career exploration. Empowering all age groups using the tools and language they are conversant in is a welcome addition to raising community well-being and wealth. This is just the first step in a broader vision NORCAT wishes to expand expertise in.

“ The global mining industry is undergoing a transformation as new technologies and innovations are demonstrating opportunities to enhance both productivity and health and safety” cites Don Duval, CEO of NORCAT. “With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we were able to develop and test an innovative mobile app and platform designed to educate, engage, and inspire existing and future mine workers to work safely and productively – all day, every day,” affirmed Don Duval, CEO, NORCAT.

The introduction of the Safety Wallet is part of NORCAT’s broader training and development technology and innovation strategy that includes the launch of the NORCAT Equipment Simulation Training Centre and an avatar-based mine rescue simulation training tool featured at the recent Canadian Mining Games.

An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is one of Canada’s

largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000